Egyptian officials say at least one person was killed and dozens injured Wednesday in violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators over construction of a new Christian church.
The rioting erupted in the Cairo suburb of Giza, near Egypt's pyramids, after authorities stopped construction of the church.
|
Coptic Christians |
|
Egypt's official MENA news agency says authorities had not issued final permits for the church because of technical violations in its construction. It says the clashes took place after more than 3,000 Christian protesters tried to continue construction.
Demonstrators hurled stones and at police officers who responded with tear gas. Authorities arrested at least 93 people.
Egyptian officials say Giza province's deputy security chief and a dozen security officials have been wounded in the riot.
Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population. They frequently complain about unfair treatment and under-representation in the majority Muslim country.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
